Johnny Sexton is on course for a return from day one of Ireland's Rugby World Cup preparations in June.
Sexton, 37, suffered a groin injury in the final game of this year's Six Nations, the Grand Slam clinching victory over England on March 18, and had a procedure to repair the damage before the end of that month.
The Ireland skipper had hoped to return in time to play one final game for Leinster if they got to the URC final on May 27 but that ambition was ruled out by his surgeon.
READ MORE: "Gutting" - How Johnny Sexton describes missing Leinster swansong with titles on the line
However, his target is to be ready to go from the start of Ireland's pre-season training camp on June 19 as he gears up for France 2023 - his fourth and final Rugby World Cup.
"Yeah, that's the goal, that would be the expected timeframe," said the out-half, speaking at the launch of the International Rugby Experience in Limerick.
"We come back on the 19th of June so that's my goal, to be back fully with the squad, get rid of the physios and just have pre-season with the rest of the players.
"I spoke to Josh (van der Flier) at the time of the injury, about how long it took him to get back from his because he was the one guy who had a similar injury.
"He got back in like record time, in nine or 10 weeks and so I was like, 'Here we go, maybe the URC final if we get there'.
"But no, the surgeon says age matters, apparently, and the fact that I'm a kicker as well so I need to sort of give special attention to the load that I'm put through and how I build up gradually through the gears with that.
"So it's slightly different and it's the 19th of June, yeah."
Ireland forwards coach Paul O'Connell admitted it was good news regarding Sexton's progress.
"Yeah, he's very confident," said O'Connell. "I don't know about pitching up first day but he's very confident he will be going soon and he's moving quite well so hopefully he stays that way."
Meanwhile IRFU chiefs have confirmed that they are currently in talks with Ireland women's XV head coach Greg McWilliams over his position.
There have been reports that McWilliams has left the role after two years and after Ireland taking the wooden spoon in the Six Nations for the first time since 2004.
"The IRFU can confirm that it is in discussion with Greg McWilliams and until these discussions are concluded, no further comment will be made," read a statement.
READ NEXT:
Katie Taylor opens up on infamous fifth round of Amanda Serrano fight one year on
GAA World in shock as fan passes away in crowd during Limerick v Clare
Roy Keane spotted in crowd at snooker World Championship final
Ted Walsh stuns colleagues by announcing retirement from RTE broadcasting
Davy Fitz says Waterford were 'absolutely terrible' in Cork defeat
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
